Curtis British Entomology Plate 155

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Curtis British Entomology Plate 155

Coleoptera: Melandrya canaliculata (Scarce Melandrya), = Melandrya dubia (doubtfully British) [Plant: Symphytum officinale (Common Comfrey)] Date: 1824-39

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Media ID 23038664

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1820s 1830s Butterflies Butterfly Coleoptera Comfrey Common Curtis Entomology Ledipotera Officinale Scarce Symphytum Doubtfully Dubia

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image is taken from Curtis's British Entomology, Plate 155, featuring the Scarce Melandrya, scientifically known as Melandrya canaliculata, and Melandrya dubia, both Coleoptera beetles. The plant depicted in the foreground is Symphytum officinale, commonly known as Common Comfrey. The entomological plate was published between 1824 and 1839 by the renowned naturalist and botanist John Curtis FLS. The Scarce Melandrya, Melandrya canaliculata, is a beetle with a distinctive elongated body and a metallic green sheen. Its antennae are long and slender, with the last segment being enlarged and clubbed. The beetle's elytra, or wing cases, have a series of fine, raised lines, giving it an intricate and textured appearance. The Scarce Melandrya is believed to be native to Europe, but its distribution is limited and it is considered a rare species. The second beetle shown on the plate, Melandrya dubia, is more doubtfully British. It resembles the Scarce Melandrya but has a more subdued, brownish-green coloration. The lines on its elytra are less distinct, and the antennae are shorter and less slender. The taxonomic status of this species is uncertain, and it may be a variant of Melandrya canaliculata or a separate species altogether. The Common Comfrey plant, Symphytum officinale, is shown in the foreground of the plate. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with large, hairy leaves and purple or blue flowers. Common Comfrey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly for healing fractures and bruises. This entomological plate is a stunning example of the meticulous detail and accuracy that characterized the work of John Curtis during the 1820s and 1830s. The intricate illustrations of the beetles and the botanical accuracy of the Common Comfrey make this plate a valuable resource for both entomologists and botanists.

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